Set of mandibular advancement splints with adjustable advancement, kit for mandibular advancement and method of adjusting mandibular advancement using same

ABSTRACT

A set of mandibular advancement splints includes a maxillary splint having a maxillary abutment assembly and a mandibular splint having a mandibular abutment assembly. At least one of the maxillary abutment assembly and the mandibular abutment assembly has an advancement adjustment structure comprising at least one adjustment spacer removably securable to the corresponding one of the maxillary splint and the mandibular splint. The at least one adjustment spacer has a spacing length defining the mandibular advancement provided by the set of mandibular advancement splints. A set of removable adjustment spacers, a mandibular advancement kit, and a method for adjusting a mandibular advancement produced by a set of mandibular advancement splints are also provided.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S.provisional patent application No. 62/404.498 which was filed on Oct. 5,2016. The entirety of the aforementioned application is hereinincorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of oral devices. Moreparticularly, it relates to an oral device including a two-piece set ofocclusal splints cooperating with one another to provide adjustableadvancement of a mandible of a patient wearing the oral device, to a setof removable adjustment spacers to be used in combination with thetwo-piece set of occlusal splints, to a kit for providing the mandibularadvancement and to a method for adjusting the mandibular advancementprovided by the set of mandibular advancement splints.

BACKGROUND

Several types of oral devices are known in the art to position andmaintain the mandible of a patient in a protruded position. For exampleand without being limitative, such oral devices are commonly used toposition and maintain the mandible of a patient in the protrudedposition during sleep, for instance in the treatment of obstructivesleep apnea.

One type of such oral devices is a two-piece set of occlusal splints,where a maxillary splint and a mandibular splint cooperate to hold amandible of the patient in the protruded position (i.e. cooperate toadvance the mandible of the patient with respect to the maxilla andmaintain it in the advanced position). For example and without beinglimitative, in order to provide the desired mandibular advancement, themaxillary splint and mandibular splint of the set of occlusal splintscommonly respectively include complementary maxillary abutment membersand mandibular abutment members engageable to position and maintain themaxillary splint and the mandibular splint in a desired mandibularadvancement position with regard to one another.

Known sets of occlusal splints however tend to suffer from severaldrawbacks. For example and without being limitative, in many cases, theposition and/or configuration of the mandibular abutment members andmaxillary abutment members are fixed, thereby resulting in no adjustmentor fine tuning of the occlusal splints, to reach a desired mandibularadvancement. In other cases, the configuration and/or position of atleast one of the maxillary abutment members and the mandibular abutmentmembers can be varied in a single direction (i.e. the mandibularadvancement can be adjusted in a single direction), for example using aunidirectional orthodontic screw allowing a spacing length of anabutment member to be increased, thereby resulting in no possible returnto an original position if an adjustment provides an over correction(i.e. a mandibular advancement that is too great).

In view of the above, there is a need for an improved set of occlusalsplints, set of removable adjustment spacers to be used in combinationwith the set of occlusal splints, kit for providing the mandibularadvancement and/or method of adjusting the mandibular advancementproduced by the set of occlusal splints which would be able to overcomeor at least minimize some of the above-discussed prior art concerns.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first general aspect, there is provided a set ofmandibular advancement splints. The a set of mandibular advancementsplints comprises: a maxillary splint having a maxillary body with aninner portion adapted to fit a maxillary dental arch of a mouth of apatient and an opposed outer portion having an outer wall surface, themaxillary splint having a maxillary abutment assembly; and a mandibularsplint having a mandibular body with an inner portion adapted to fit amandibular dental arch of the mouth of the patient and an opposed outerportion having an outer wall surface, the mandibular splint having amandibular abutment assembly. At least one of the maxillary abutmentassembly and the mandibular abutment assembly comprises an advancementadjustment structure comprising at least one adjustment spacer removablysecurable to the corresponding one of the maxillary splint and themandibular splint. The at least one adjustment spacer has a spacinglength defining the mandibular advancement provided by the set ofmandibular advancement splints.

In an embodiment, the advancement adjustment structure further comprisesat least one support bracket projecting from the outer wall surface ofthe outer portion of the corresponding one of the maxillary splint andthe mandibular splint. Each one of the at least one adjustment spacer isremovably securable to a corresponding one of the at least one supportbracket.

In an embodiment, each one of the corresponding at least one adjustmentspacer and at least one support bracket of the advancement adjustmentstructure further comprises a complementary male-female connectingassembly for removably securing each one of the at least one adjustmentspacer to the corresponding one of the at least one support bracket.

In an embodiment, each one of the at least one support bracket includesa receiving cavity defined therein and protuberances extending into thereceiving cavity to define a narrow section thereof. Each one of thecorresponding at least one adjustment spacer comprises a protrusionhaving a distal end and being insertable into the receiving cavity of acorresponding support bracket. The protrusion includes two flexiblebranches spaced apart from one another and each having a stop memberdefined at the distal end.

In an embodiment, the connecting assembly further comprises a lockingmember engageable with the protrusion of a corresponding adjustmentspacer to lock the adjustment spacer in the support bracket. The lockingmember includes a locking pin insertable between the two flexiblebranches of the protrusion of the corresponding adjustment spacer andlocking tabs engageable with the support bracket.

In an embodiment, the advancement adjustment structure comprises twoadjustment spacers removably securable on opposed sides of thecorresponding one of the maxillary splint and the mandibular splint.

In an embodiment, the maxillary abutment assembly comprises theadvancement adjustment structure and the mandibular abutment assemblycomprises two projections extending upwardly from the outer wallsurface, on opposed sides of the mandibular body of the mandibularsplint.

In an embodiment, the maxillary abutment assembly comprises lateralsupport sections. The lateral support sections each are a section of theouter wall surface of the maxillary splint positioned and are configuredto abut at least partially with an inner surface of a correspondingadjustment spacer and provide lateral support thereto.

In an embodiment, the outer wall surface of the maxillary splint and theouter wall surface of the mandibular splint each comprise a contactsection. The two adjustment spacers and two projections each comprise anabutment surface configured to abut with the abutment surface of acorresponding one of the adjustment spacers and the projections. Themaxillary splint and the mandibular splint are configurable in a contactconfiguration where the contact sections thereof are abutted one againstthe other along a contact plane. The abutment surface of the twoadjustment spacers and two projections at least extend above the contactplane.

In an embodiment, the abutment surface of the adjustment spacers and theabutment surface of the projections have complementary inwardinclination.

In an embodiment, the abutment surface of the adjustment spacers has athickness adapted to the spacing length thereof.

In an embodiment, the at least one adjustment spacer of the advancementadjustment structure is replaceable by at least one adjustment spacerhaving a different spacing length to vary the mandibular advancementprovided by the set of mandibular advancement splints.

In accordance with another aspect, there is also provided a set ofremovable adjustment spacers removably connectable to a correspondingone of a maxillary splint and a mandibular splint of a set of mandibularadvancement splints. Each removable adjustment spacer of the set ofremovable adjustment spacers comprises a body having a spacing lengthdefining the mandibular advancement provided by the set of mandibularadvancement splints and a connecting assembly for removably securing theremovable adjustment spacer to the corresponding one of the maxillarysplint and the mandibular splint.

In an embodiment, the corresponding one of the maxillary splint and themandibular splint comprises at least one support bracket projecting froman outer wall surface of an outer portion of the corresponding one ofthe maxillary splint and the mandibular splint. The connecting assemblyof each one of the adjustment spacers is configured to removably securethe adjustment spacer to a corresponding one of the at least one supportbracket.

In an embodiment, the connecting assembly comprises one of a male memberand a female member for removably securing each one of the at least oneadjustment spacer to the corresponding one of the at least one supportbracket in a male-female configuration.

In an embodiment, each one of the at least one support bracket includesa receiving cavity defined therein and protuberances extending into thereceiving cavity to define a narrow section thereof. Each removableadjustment spacer of the set of removable adjustment spacers comprises aprotrusion having a distal end and being insertable into the receivingcavity of a corresponding support bracket. The protrusion includes twoflexible branches spaced apart from one another and each having a stopmember defined at the distal end.

In an embodiment, the connecting assembly further comprises a lockingmember engageable with the protrusion of a corresponding adjustmentspacer, to lock the adjustment spacer in the support bracket. Thelocking member comprises a locking pin insertable between the twoflexible branches of the protrusion of the corresponding adjustmentspacer and locking tabs engageable with the support bracket.

In an embodiment, each removable adjustment spacer of the set ofremovable adjustment spacers has an abutment surface having a thicknessadapted to the spacing length thereof.

In accordance with another general aspect, there is also provided amandibular advancement kit. The mandibular advancement comprises a setof mandibular advancement splints and a kit of adjustment spacers. Theset of mandibular advancement splints comprises a maxillary splinthaving a maxillary body with an inner portion adapted to fit a maxillarydental arch of a mouth of a patient and a mandibular splint having amandibular body with an inner portion adapted to fit a mandibular dentalarch of the mouth of the patient. The kit of adjustment spacerscomprises at least two sets of adjustment spacers removably connectableto at least one of the maxillary splint and mandibular splint of the setof mandibular advancement splints. Each set of adjustment spacersincludes at least one removable adjustment spacer, each having the samespecific spacing length. The spacing length of the at least oneremovable adjustment spacer is different for each set of adjustmentspacers of the kit of adjustment spacers.

In an embodiment, the at least one removable adjustment spacer of eachset of adjustment spacers of the kit of adjustment spacers comprises aconnecting assembly for removably securing the adjustment spacers to thecorresponding one of the maxillary splint and the mandibular splint. Thecorresponding one of the maxillary splint and the mandibular splint ofthe set of mandibular advancement splints comprises at least one supportbracket projecting from an outer wall surface of an outer portionthereof. The connecting assembly of each one of the adjustment spacersis configured to removably secure the adjustment spacers to acorresponding one of the at least one support bracket.

In an embodiment, the connecting assembly comprises one of a male memberand a female member for removably securing each one of the at least oneadjustment spacer to the corresponding one of the at least one supportbracket in a male-female configuration.

In an embodiment, each one of the at least one support bracket includesa receiving cavity defined therein and protuberances extending into thereceiving cavity to define a narrow section thereof. Each adjustmentspacer of each set of adjustment spacers comprises a protrusion having adistal end and being insertable into the receiving cavity of acorresponding support bracket. The protrusion includes two flexiblebranches spaced apart from one another and each having a stop memberdefined at the distal end.

In an embodiment, the connecting assembly further comprises a lockingmember engageable with the protrusion of a corresponding adjustmentspacer to lock the adjustment spacer in the support bracket. The lockingmember includes a locking pin insertable between the two flexiblebranches of the protrusion of the corresponding adjustment spacer andlocking tabs engageable with the support bracket.

In an embodiment, the corresponding one of the maxillary splint and themandibular splint to which the at least two sets of adjustment spacersare removably connectable comprises lateral support sections. Thelateral support sections each are positioned and configured to abut atleast partially with an inner surface of a corresponding adjustmentspacer to provide lateral support thereto.

In an embodiment, the adjustment spacers of each set of adjustmentspacers have an abutment surface having a thickness. The thickness ofthe abutment surface of the adjustment spacers of each set of adjustmentspacers is adapted to the spacing length thereof. The thickness of theabutment surface of the adjustment spacers having a longer spacinglength is greater than the thickness of the abutment surface of theadjustment spacers having a shorter spacing length.

In an embodiment, each set of adjustment spacers includes two adjustmentspacers removably securable on opposed sides of the corresponding one ofthe maxillary splint and the mandibular splint.

In an embodiment, the adjustment spacers of each set of adjustmentspacers are connectable to the maxillary splint and the mandibularabutment assembly comprises two projections extending upwardly from themandibular body, on opposed sides thereof.

In accordance with another general aspect, there is further provided amethod for adjusting a mandibular advancement produced by a set ofmandibular advancement splints including a mandibular advancement splintand a maxillary advancement splint. The method comprises: producing aninitial mandibular advancement through engagement of a removableadjustment spacer of an initial spacing length to at least one of themandibular splint and the maxillary splint; determining if themandibular advancement is appropriate for a specific patient; and, ifthe mandibular advancement is not appropriate for the specific patient,disengaging a previously secured adjustment spacer from the at least oneof the mandibular splint and the maxillary splint and successivelysecuring adjustment spacers of different spacing lengths to the at leastone of the mandibular splint and the maxillary splint until themandibular advancement is appropriate.

In an embodiment, the step of successively securing adjustment spacersof different spacing lengths to the at least one of the mandibularsplint and the maxillary splint until the mandibular advancement isappropriate includes, if the initial mandibular advancement isinsufficient, successively securing adjustment spacers of greaterlengths.

In an embodiment, the method comprises the step of reverting to anadjustment spacer of a smaller length if the successive securing ofadjustment spacers of greater lengths leads to a mandibular advancementthat is too great.

In an embodiment, the step of successively securing adjustment spacersof different spacing lengths to the at least one of the mandibularsplint and the maxillary splint until the mandibular advancement isappropriate includes, if the initial mandibular advancement is toogreat, successively securing adjustment spacers of smaller lengths.

In an embodiment, the method comprises the step of of reverting to anadjustment spacer of a greater length if the successive securing ofadjustment spacers of smaller lengths leads to a mandibular advancementthat is too small.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, advantages and features will become more apparent uponreading the following non-restrictive description of embodimentsthereof, given for the purpose of exemplification only, with referenceto the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a set of occlusal splints, in accordancewith an embodiment and wherein the set of occlusal splints includes amaxillary splint and a mandibular splint shown spaced apart from oneanother.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the set of occlusal splints of FIG. 1,wherein the maxillary splint and the mandibular splint are shown in acontact configuration.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the mandibular splint of the set ofocclusal splints of FIG. 1, wherein an advancement adjustment structureis shown with two adjustment spacers, each one being engaged with acorresponding support bracket.

FIG. 4 is an isometric exploded view of the mandibular splint of the setof occlusal splints of FIG. 1, wherein the advancement adjustmentstructure is shown with one of the adjustment spacers being disengagedfrom the corresponding support bracket.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of one of the adjustment spacers of theadvancement adjustment structure of the set of occlusal splints of FIG.1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a set of occlusal splints, in accordancewith an alternative embodiment and wherein the set of occlusal splintsincludes a maxillary splint and a mandibular splint shown spaced apartfrom one another.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the set of occlusal splints of FIG. 6,wherein the maxillary splint and the mandibular splint are shown in acontact configuration.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the set of occlusal splints of FIG. 6, whereinthe maxillary splint and the mandibular splint are shown in a contactconfiguration.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the mandibular splint of the set ofocclusal splints of FIG. 6, wherein an advancement adjustment structureis shown.

FIG. 10 is an isometric exploded view of the mandibular splint of theset of occlusal splints of FIG. 6, wherein the advancement adjustmentstructure is shown with one of the adjustment spacers being disengagedfrom the corresponding support bracket.

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of one of the adjustment spacers of theadvancement adjustment structure of the set of occlusal splints of FIG.6.

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of one of the abutment spacers of theadvancement adjustment structure of the set of occlusal splints of FIG.6, in accordance with an alternative embodiment where the abutmentspacer has a greater spacing length and a greater thickness of theabutment surface.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of a portion of the connectingassembly an abutment spacer of the set of occlusal splints of FIG. 6,taken along lines 13-13 in FIG. 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, the same numerical references refer tosimilar elements. The embodiments, geometrical configurations, materialsmentioned and/or dimensions shown in the figures or described in thepresent description are embodiments only, given solely forexemplification purposes.

Although the embodiments of the set of occlusal splints, set ofremovable adjustment spacers to be used in combination with the set ofocclusal splints and/or kit for providing the mandibular advancement andcorresponding parts thereof consist of certain geometricalconfigurations as explained and illustrated herein, not all of thesecomponents and geometries are essential and thus should not be taken intheir restrictive sense. It is to be understood, as also apparent to aperson skilled in the art, that other suitable components andcooperation thereinbetween, as well as other suitable geometricalconfigurations, may be used for the set of occlusal splints, as will bebriefly explained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom by aperson skilled in the art. Moreover, although the embodiments asillustrated in the accompanying drawings comprise particular steps of amethod, not all of these steps are essential and thus should not betaken in their restrictive sense. It is to be understood, as alsoapparent to a person skilled in the art, that other suitableconfigurations may be used for the method and system, as will be brieflyexplained herein and as can be easily inferred herefrom, by a personskilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Moreover, it will be appreciated that positional descriptions such as“above”, “below”, “forward”, “rearward” “left”, “right” and the likeshould, unless otherwise indicated, be taken in the context of thefigures and correspond to the position and orientation of the set ofocclusal splints and corresponding parts when being worn by a patient,with the “front” corresponding to a position closer to a front of thebody of the patient and the “back” corresponding to a position closer toa back of the body of the patient. Positional descriptions should not beconsidered limiting.

To provide a more concise description, some of the quantitative andqualitative expressions given herein may be qualified with the terms“about”, “substantially”, or the like. It is understood that whether theterms “about” and “substantially” are used explicitly or not, everyquantity or qualification given herein is meant to refer to an actualgiven value or qualification, and it is also meant to refer to theapproximation to such given value or qualification that would reasonablybe inferred based on the ordinary skill in the art, includingapproximations due to the experimental and/or measurement conditions forsuch given value.

According to an embodiment, and as better seen in FIGS. 1 to 4, there isprovided a set of mandibular advancement splints 10, comprising amaxillary splint 12 and a mandibular splint 14. The maxillary splint 12is adapted to fit a maxillary (or superior or upper) dental arch of amouth of a patient. The mandibular splint 14 is adapted to fit amandibular (or inferior or lower) dental arch of the mouth of thepatient. More particularly, the maxillary splint 12 is engageable overthe maxillary dental arch of the patient (not shown) and the mandibularsplint 14 is engageable over the mandibular dental arch of the patient(not shown).

Each one of the maxillary splint 12 and the mandibular splint 14 has asubstantially U-shaped body 20 (i.e. respectively a maxillary body and amandibular body), with an anterior section 22 and two posterior sections24 extending rearwardly from opposite ends of the anterior section 22.The body 20 of each one of the maxillary splint 12 and the mandibularsplint 14 has an inner portion 26 (i.e. a section defining an inwardpart of the corresponding splint 12, 14 for receiving the teeth of thepatient) with an inner wall surface 28 defining a teeth receiving cavity30 configured to encase teeth of the corresponding dental arch. In anembodiment, the inner wall surface 28 of each one of the splints 12, 14substantially conforms to the shape of the teeth of the correspondingdental arch of the patient. For example and without being limitative, inan embodiment, the shape of the inner wall surface 28 can be designed byscanning a patient's mouth and designing the inner wall surface 28 tosubstantially conform to the particular shape of the patient's teethobtained by the scan. The body 20 of each one of the maxillary splint 12and the mandibular splint 14 also has an outer portion 32 (i.e. asection defining an outward part of the corresponding splint 12, 14 andfacing a direction opposed to the inner portion 26), and including anouter wall surface 34. For each one of the maxillary splint 12 and themandibular splint 14, the outer wall surface 34 of the outer portion 32of each one of the maxillary splint 12 and the mandibular splint 14comprises a contact section 36.

As can be better seen in FIG. 2, the splints 12, 14 are configurable ina contact (or occlusion or clenched) configuration where the contactsections 36 of the outer wall surface 34 of the maxillary splint 12 andthe mandibular splint 14 are abutted one against the other. The contactsections 36 are abutted along a contact plane P corresponding to a planealong which the contact sections 36 of the outer wall surface 34 of themaxillary splint 12 and the mandibular splint 14 are substantiallyaligned when the splints 12, 14 are configured in the contactconfiguration. In the embodiment shown, the contact sections 36 areplanar surfaces (see FIG. 1), (i.e. the outer wall surfaces 34 aresubstantially flat along the contact plane P, in the contact sections36). One skilled in the art would however understand that, inalternative embodiments (not shown), the contact sections 36 of theouter wall surfaces 34, can be raised surfaces or complementary unevensurfaces or can even present any other configuration allowing abutmentbetween the splints. In the embodiment shown and as will be described inmore details below, when the splints 12, 14 are in the contactconfiguration, the positioning of the splints 12, 14 relative to oneanother is modified (i.e. the positioning along a transversal plane ofthe body of the patient is modified to hold a mandible of the patient ina protruded position).

In the embodiment shown, the contact sections 36 extend alongsubstantially the length of the anterior section 22 and the posteriorsections 24, but one skilled in the art will understand that, in analternative embodiment (not shown), the contact sections 36 can berestricted to only one of the anterior section 22 and the posteriorsections 24, or only a portion thereof. In the alternative embodiments(not shown) where the contact sections 36 are limited to only one of theanterior section 22 and the posterior section 24, or a portion thereof,the sections of the anterior section 22 and the posterior section 24along which the contact sections 36 do not extend can be spaced apartfrom one another when the splints 12, 14 are configured in the contactconfiguration.

Now referring to FIGS. 1 to 5, the maxillary splint 12 and themandibular splint 14 also respectively include a maxillary abutmentassembly 40 and a complementary mandibular abutment assembly 50cooperating to provide the desired mandibular advancement. As can beseen more clearly in FIG. 2, the maxillary abutment assembly 40 and thecomplementary mandibular abutment assembly 50 are sized and shaped toabut against one another when the splints 12, 14 are configured in thecontact configuration and drive the mandibular splint 14 forward toproduce the desired mandibular advancement.

In the embodiment shown, the mandibular abutment assembly 50 of themandibular splint 14 includes two projections 52 extending upwardly fromthe outer wall surface 34 and positioned on opposite sides of themandibular splint 14. Each projection 52 extends above theabove-described contact plan P (i.e. past the contact section 36 of theouter wall surface 34 of the mandibular splint 14). Each projection 52is located outwardly of the contact section 36 of the outer wall surface34 of the mandibular splint 14, thereby not hindering the engagement ofthe contact sections 36 of the outer wall surface 34 of the maxillarysplint 12 and the mandibular splint 14, in the contact configuration.Each one of the projections 52 includes an abutment surface 54configured to abut with the abutment surface of the components of themaxillary abutment assembly 40, as will be described in more detailsbelow. In the embodiment shown, at least a section of the abutmentsurface 54 of each one of the projections 52 is located above thecontact plan P. One skilled in the art will understand that, in analternative embodiment (not shown), the abutment surface 54 of each oneof the projections 52 could extend at least partially below the contactplan P. Moreover, in another alternative embodiment (not shown), eachone of the projections 52 could project outwardly of the outer wallsurface 34, below the contact plan P, with the abutment surface 54 ofeach one of the projections 52 being located below the contact plan P.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the maxillary abutment assembly40 of the maxillary splint 12 includes an advancement adjustmentstructure 70. In the embodiment shown, the advancement adjustmentstructure 70 includes two support brackets 42 projecting outwardly fromthe outer wall surface 34, on opposite sides of the maxillary splint 12,and superposed thereto. In the embodiment shown, the support brackets 42are integral to the body 20 of the maxillary splint 12. The advancementadjustment structure 70 also includes two adjustment spacers 44. Eachone of the adjustment spacers 44 is removably securable to acorresponding one of the support brackets 42. Each one of the adjustmentspacers 44 includes an abutment surface 46 at least partially abuttableagainst the abutment surface 54 of the corresponding projection 52 ofthe mandibular abutment assembly 50, when the splints 12, 14 areconfigured in the contact configuration (See FIG. 2). As will be easilyunderstood, when the splints 12, 14 are configured in the contactconfiguration, abutment between the abutment surfaces 46 of theadjustment spacers 44 and the abutment surfaces 54 of the projections 52of the mandibular abutment assembly 50 produces the desired mandibularadvancement.

In view of the above, it will be understood that, in the embodimentshown, the mandibular advancement provided by the set of mandibularadvancement splints 12, 14 is based on a spacing length 47 (which willbe defined in more details below) of the adjustment spacers 44 used aspart of the advancement adjustment structure 70 of the maxillaryabutment assembly 40. Hence, to vary the mandibular advancement providedby the set of mandibular advancement splints 12, 14, the adjustmentspacers 44 can be replaced by adjustment spacers 44 having a differentspacing length 47, as will be defined and described in more detailsbelow.

One skilled in the art will understand that, in alternative embodiments,assemblies different than the embodiment shown can be used for themandibular abutment assembly 50 and maxillary abutment assembly 40. Forexample and without being limitative, in an embodiment (not shown), themandibular abutment assembly 50 could include the advancement adjustmentstructure 70 (i.e could include a removable member removably connectableto the mandibular splint 14, such as the above described combination ofsupport brackets 42 and adjustment spacers 44), while the maxillaryabutment members 40 could include fixed members such as the abovedescribed projections 52. In other alternative embodiments (not shown),both the mandibular abutment assembly 50 and maxillary abutment assembly40 could include an advancement adjustment structure 70. Moreover, eachone of the mandibular abutment assembly 50 and maxillary abutmentassembly 40 could include a single component abutting with the other oneof the mandibular abutment assembly 50 and maxillary abutment assembly40, rather than the two opposed components of the embodiment shown.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the abutment surface 46, 54 ofeach one of the adjustment spacers 44 and projections 52 havecomplementary forward inclinations (or angular orientations). In otherwords, an upper end of the abutment surfaces 46, 54 of each one of theadjustment spacers 44 and the projections 52 extends forwardly furtherthan a lower end thereof, thereby defining a forwardly angled surface.Such forward angle thereof allows a gradual mandibular advancement whena patient wearing the splints 12, 14, closes its jaws and progressivelymoves the splints 12, 14 towards the contact configuration. One skilledin the art will however understand that, in alternative embodiments, theabutment surface 46, 54 of each one of the adjustment spacers 44 andprojections 52 could have complementary rearward inclinations (orangular orientations) (see FIGS. 6 and 7) or could have substantially noinclination (i.e. could extend substantially vertically) (not shown).

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the abutment surface 46 of eachone of the adjustment spacers 44 is positioned above the contact plan Pto abut with the abutment surface 54 of each one of the projections 52also being positioned above the contact plan P, when the splints 12, 14are configured in the contact configuration. One skilled in the art willhowever understand that, in alternative embodiments (not shown), whereinthe abutment surface 54 of each one of the projections 52 extends atleast partially below the contact plan P, the abutment surface 46 ofeach one of the adjustment spacers 44 could similarly extend at leastpartially below the contact plan P.

In an embodiment, in order to allow replacement (or substitution) of theadjustment spacers 44, each one of the adjustment spacers 44 isremovably connected to the corresponding support bracket 42 through adetachable connecting assembly 60. In the embodiment shown, theconnecting assembly 60 includes a complementary male-female assembly.For example and without being limitative, in the embodiment shown, eachone of the adjustment spacers 44 includes a protrusion 62 (or malemember) engageable into a receiving cavity 64 (or female member orsocket) defined in a body of the corresponding support bracket 42. Inthe embodiment shown, the protrusion 62 projects from a posterior wall48 of the adjustment spacer 44, distal from the abutment surface 46thereof, and the receiving cavity 64 is opened in an anterior end 43 (oranterior wall in the embodiment shown where the anterior end includes apartial wall) of the body of the support bracket 42. Hence, when theadjustment spacer 44 is secured (or mounted) to the support bracket 42,the protrusion 62 of the adjustment spacer 44 is engaged into thereceiving cavity 64 of the corresponding support bracket 42, with theposterior wall 48 of the adjustment spacer 44 engaging the anterior end43 of the support bracket 42 and the adjustment spacer 44 extendingforwardly thereof. In an alternative embodiment, the posterior wall 48of the adjustment spacer 44 can only partially engage the anterior end43 of the support bracket 42 when the adjustment spacer 44 is secured tothe support bracket 42 (i.e. a section of the posterior wall 48 of theadjustment spacer 44 can be at least partially spaced apart from theanterior end 43 of the support bracket 42 when the adjustment spacer 44is secured to the support bracket 42). In another alternative embodiment(not shown), the posterior wall 48 of the adjustment spacer 44 can bespaced apart from the anterior end 43 of the support bracket 42 when theadjustment spacer 44 is secured to the support bracket 42.

One skilled in the art will understand that, in other alternativeembodiments, the adjustment spacer 44 can be removably connected to thecorresponding support bracket 42 through connecting assemblies 60 havinga different configuration than the ones of the embodiment shown anddescribed above with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. For example and withoutbeing limitative, an alternative embodiment of a connecting assembly 60is shown in FIGS. 6, 9 and 13 and will be described in more detailsbelow. Moreover, in other alternative embodiments (not shown), theadjustment spacer 44 and support bracket 42 can engage in a taperconfiguration, wherein one of the protrusion 62 and receiving cavity 64has a tapered configuration to gradually increase the friction fittherebetween during engagement, the adjustment spacer 44 and supportbracket 42 can be screwed to one another, or the like.

Moreover, in other alternative embodiments, the connecting assembly 60can have a different configuration than the male-female connectingassembly of the embodiment shown and described above in connection toFIGS. 1 to 5. For example and without being limitative, the protrusion62 can project from the support bracket 42 (or be embodied by thesupport bracket 42) while the receiving cavity 64 can be defined in abody of the adjustment spacer 44, the protrusion 62 and complementaryreceiving cavity 64 can be located along inner and outer side walls ofthe adjustment spacer 44 and support bracket 42 respectively, or thelike. Moreover, in other alternative embodiments (not shown), theconnecting assembly 60 for removably connecting the adjustment spacer 44to the corresponding support bracket 42 can differ from a male-femaleassembly and the adjustment spacer 44 can be removably connected to thecorresponding support bracket 42 by any fastening or securing mean ormethod, such as, clipping, friction fit, or the like.

In view of the above, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, themandibular advancement provided by the maxillary splint 12 and themandibular splint 14 can be modified (or adjusted) through replacementof the adjustment spacers 44 with adjustment spacers having a differentspacing length 47 (i.e. a spacing length greater or smaller than thepreviously mounted adjustment spacers 44). In the embodiment shown, thespacing length 47 of the adjustment spacers 44 can be defined as thedistance between the posterior wall 48 of the adjustment spacers 44 andthe abutment surface 46 thereof. One skilled in the art will howeverunderstand that, in alternative embodiments (not shown), the spacinglength 47 of the adjustment spacers 44 can be defined by the distancebetween the abutment surface 46 and a support bracket engaging portionof the adjustment spacers 44 different from the posterior wall 48. Inother words, the spacing length 47 of the adjustment spacers 44 isdefined by a distance between the abutment surface 46 and a section ofthe adjustment spacers 44 engaged to the maxillary splint 12, when theadjustment spacers 44 are mounted thereto, and which defines themandibular advancement provided by the maxillary splint 12 and themandibular splint 14.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 to 5, where the abutment surface 46 isforwardly angled, thereby resulting in adjustment spacers 44 having asubstantially trapezoidal shape, the spacing length 47 should always bemeasured at a substantially similar position, for example along and/orparallel to a lower end or an upper end thereof. For example and withoutbeing limitative, in the embodiment shown, the spacing length 47 ismeasured at a lower end of the adjustment spacers 44.

Using the above-described set of maxillary splint 12 and mandibularsplint 14, in an embodiment, the splint 12, 14 can be adjusted to reachan appropriate mandibular advancement for the patient. For example, inan embodiment, adjustment spacers 44 of an initial spacing length can beused (i.e. adjustment spacers 44 of the initial spacing length can besecured to the support bracket 42 of the maxillary splint 12) and theset of maxillary splint 12 and mandibular splint 14 can be tested by thepatient to determine if the mandibular advancement is appropriate. Ifthe mandibular advancement is not appropriate, adjustment spacers 44 ofa different spacing length can successively be fitted onto the maxillarysplint, until the maxillary splint 12 and mandibular splint 14 providethe appropriate mandibular advancement. In the context of the presentdescription, the terms “testing” the set of maxillary splint 12 andmandibular splint 14 and “determine if the mandibular advancement isappropriate” can encompass any method for concluding on whether themandibular advancement provided by the maxillary splint 12 andmandibular splint 14 is adapted to the patient. For example and withoutbeing limitative, it can include having the patient wearing the set ofsplints 12, 14 over a sufficient time period to determine whether thecurrent mandibular advancement provided by the set of splints 12, 14causes pain or not.

In an embodiment, the initial spacing length of the adjustment spacers44 provides an initial mandibular advancement. For example and withoutbeing limitative, in an embodiment, the initial mandibular advancementcorresponds to about 70% of the maximal mandibular advancement of thepatient.

If the initial mandibular advancement provided by the adjustment spacers44 of the initial spacing length is insufficient (or smaller than thedesired mandibular adjustment), adjustment spacers 44 of longer lengths,such as for example and without being limitative adjustment spacers 44each having a length between about 0.1 millimeter and about 1 millimetermore can successively be secured to the corresponding one of the splints12, 14 (with the set of splints 12, 14 being tested by the patient foreach successive try) until the splints 12, 14 provide the appropriatemandibular advancement. In an embodiment, adjustment spacers 44 eachhaving a length of about 0.5 more millimeter can successively be securedto the corresponding one of the splints 12, 14 (with the set of splints12, 14 being tested by the patient for each successive try) until thesplints 12, 14 provide the appropriate mandibular advancement.

Conversely, if the initial mandibular advancement provided by theadjustment spacers 44 of the initial spacing length is too great,adjustment spacers 44 of a shorter length, such as for example andwithout being limitative adjustment spacers 44 having a length betweenabout 0.1 millimeter and about 1 millimeter less can successively beused (with the set of splints 12, 14 being tested by the patient foreach successive try) until the splints 12, 14 provide the appropriatemandibular advancement. In an embodiment, adjustment spacers 44 eachhaving a length of about 0.5 less millimeter can successively be securedto the corresponding one of the splints 12, 14 (with the set of splints12, 14 being tested by the patient for each successive try) until thesplints 12, 14 provide the appropriate mandibular advancement.

One skilled in the art will understand that, using the above describedset of splints 12, 14, if, at any point, the successive replacement ofthe adjustment spacers 44 results in a mandibular adjustment that is toogreat, adjustment spacers 44 of a shorter length (for example, thepreviously tested adjustment spacers 44) can be used to return to asmaller mandibular adjustment. Conversely, if at any point thesuccessive replacement of the adjustment spacers 44 results in amandibular adjustment that is too small, adjustment spacers 44 of alonger length (for example, the previously tested adjustment spacers 44)can be used to return to a greater mandibular adjustment. Hence, theabove-described set of splints 12, 14, allows forward and rearwardadjustment of the mandibular adjustment provided by the splints 12, 14,as the different adjustment spacers 44 can be secured and unsecured fromthe corresponding support bracket as needed.

Referring again to FIG. 5, in an embodiment, there is therefore provideda set of removable adjustment spacers 44 removably connectable to anouter portion of the maxillary splint 12 or the mandibular splint 14 ofthe set of mandibular advancement splints 12, 14. The set of removableadjustment spacers 44 comprises removable adjustment spacer 44 of aspecific spacing length 47 and similar to the above described adjustmentspacers 44. Each adjustment spacer 44 of the set has the same specificspacing length 47. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the set ofremovable adjustment spacers 44 comprises two adjustment spacers 44 ofthe specific spacing length 47, each connectable to an outer portion ofthe maxillary splint 12 of the set of mandibular advancement splints 12,14, on a respective side thereof. In alternative embodiments (notshown), the set of removable adjustment spacers 44 could include asingle adjustment spacer 44 or more than two adjustment spacers 44, theamount of adjustment spacers 44 of the set of removable adjustmentspacers 44 corresponding to the amount of adjustment spacers 44 to bemounted to the outer portion of the maxillary splint 12 or themandibular splint 14 of the set of mandibular advancement splints 12, 14to provide the mandibular advancement.

Each removable adjustment spacer 44 of the set of removable adjustmentspacers 44 comprises a body having the specific spacing length 47defining the mandibular advancement provided by the set of mandibularadvancement splints, 12, 14 and a connecting assembly 60 for removablysecuring the adjustment spacers 44 to the outer portion of thecorresponding one of the maxillary splint 12 and the mandibular splint14.

As mentioned above, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, each one ofthe adjustment spacers 44 is configured to be removably secured to acorresponding one of the at least one support bracket 42 projecting fromthe outer wall surface 34 of the corresponding one of the maxillarysplint 12 and the mandibular splint 14. One skilled in the art willunderstand that, in an alternative embodiment (not shown), each one ofthe adjustment spacers 44 can however be configured to be removablysecured to the outer portion 32 of the corresponding one of themaxillary splint 12 and the mandibular splint 14, differently thanthrough a support bracket 42.

In an embodiment, there is further provided a kit of adjustment spacers44 including at least two sets of removable adjustment spacers 44removably connectable to an outer portion of the maxillary splint 12 ormandibular splint 14 of the set of mandibular advancement splints 12,14. Each set of removable adjustment spacers 44 of the kit of adjustmentspacers 44 comprises at least one removable adjustment spacer 44 of aspecific spacing length 47. Once again, if the set of removableadjustment spacers 44 includes more than one adjustment spacer 44, eachadjustment spacer 44 of the set has the same specific spacing length 47.The adjustment spacers 44 of each set of removable adjustment spacers 44of the kit of adjustment spacers 44 have a different spacing length 47,such that the adjustment spacers 44 of each set of removable adjustmentspacers 44 can be mounted to the corresponding one of the maxillarysplint 12 and the mandibular splint 14 to vary the mandibular adjustmentprovided by the splints 12, 14.

In an embodiment, there is further provided a mandibular advancement kitincluding the above-described set of maxillary splint 12 and mandibularsplint 14 and the above-described kit of adjustment spacers 44 includinga plurality of sets of removable adjustment spacers 44.

Referring to FIGS. 6 to 10, there is shown an alternative embodiment ofa set of mandibular advancement splints 110, wherein similar featuresare numbered using the same reference numerals in the 100 series. Theset of mandibular advancement splints 110 again includes a maxillarysplint 112 engageable over the maxillary dental arch of the patient (notshown) and a mandibular splint 114 engageable over the mandibular dentalarch of the patient (not shown). The body 120 of the maxillary splint112 and the mandibular splint 114 is substantially similar to the abovedescribed body of the maxillary splint 12 and mandibular splint 14 ofthe embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 4 and also includes contact sections 136abutting along a contact plane P, when the maxillary splint 112 and themandibular splint 114 are configured in the contact configuration (seeFIG. 7).

The maxillary splint 112 and the mandibular splint 114 againrespectively include a maxillary abutment assembly 140 and acomplementary mandibular abutment assembly 150 sized and shaped to abutagainst one another when the splints 112, 114 are configured in thecontact configuration and cooperating to provide the desired mandibularadvancement. The mandibular abutment assembly 150 of the mandibularsplint 114 again includes two projections 152 extending upwardly fromthe outer wall surface 134 and positioned on opposite sides of themandibular splint 114, outwardly of the contact section 136 of the outerwall surface 134 of the mandibular splint 114. Each one of theprojections 152 again includes an abutment surface 154 configured toabut with the abutment surface of the components of the maxillaryabutment assembly 140. Similarly to the above described embodiment ofFIGS. 1 to 4, at least a section of the abutment surface 154 of each oneof the projections 152 is located above the contact plane P, but oneskilled in the art will understand that the abutment surface 154 of eachone of the projections 152 could extend at least partially below thecontact plane P.

Once again, the maxillary abutment assembly 140 of the maxillary splint112 includes an advancement adjustment structure 170 with two supportbrackets 142 projecting outwardly from the outer wall surface 134, onopposite sides of the maxillary splint 112, and superposed thereto; andtwo adjustment spacers 144 removably securable to a corresponding one ofthe support brackets 142. Each adjustment spacer 144 includes anabutment surface 146 at least partially abuttable against the abutmentsurface 154 of the corresponding projection 152 of the mandibularabutment assembly 150, when the splints 112, 114 are configured in thecontact configuration (See FIG. 7). As mentioned above, in alternativeembodiments, assemblies different than the embodiment shown can be usedfor the mandibular abutment assembly 150 and maxillary abutment assembly140.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 to 10, the abutment surface 146, 154of each one of the adjustment spacers 144 and projections 152 havecomplementary rearward inclinations (or angular orientations). In otherwords, an upper end of the abutment surfaces 146, 154 of each one of theadjustment spacers 144 and the projections 152 extends rearwardlyfurther than a lower end thereof, thereby defining a rearwardly angledsurface. As mentioned above, one skilled in the art will howeverunderstand that, in alternative embodiments, the abutment surface 146,154 of each one of the adjustment spacers 144 and projections 152 couldhave complementary forward inclinations (or angular orientations) (seeFIG. 2) or could have substantially no inclination.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 to 10, the abutment surface 146, 154of each one of the adjustment spacers 144 and projections 152 havecomplementary inward inclination (or angular orientations). In otherwords, an outer end of the abutment surfaces 146, 154 of each one of theadjustment spacers 144 and the projections 152 extends rearwardlyfurther than an inner end thereof, thereby defining an inwardly angledsurface. The complementary inward inclination (or angular orientations)of the abutment surface 146, 154 of each one of the adjustment spacers144 and projections 152 helps to center the maxillary splint 112 withregard to the mandibular splint 114, when the splints 112, 114 areconfigured in the contact configuration and therefore minimize patientpain or discomfort which can be caused by improper positioning thereofdue to jaw movement of the patient when the splints are worn. Oneskilled in the art will however understand that, in alternativeembodiments, the abutment surface 146, 154 of each one of the adjustmentspacers 144 and projections 152 could have substantially no inwardinclination (see for example FIGS. 1 to 5.).

Once again, to allow replacement (or substitution) of the adjustmentspacers 144, each one of the adjustment spacers 144 is removablyconnected to the corresponding support bracket 142 through a detachableconnecting assembly 160. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 to 13, eachone of the adjustment spacers 144 again includes a protrusion 162engageable into the receiving cavity 164 of the support bracket 142. Inthe embodiment shown, the protrusion 162 includes two flexible branches180 spaced apart from one another and each having a stop member 182defined at a distal end thereof. One skilled in the art will howeverunderstand that, in an alternative embodiment, only one branch 180 witha stop member 182 could be provided. The receiving cavity 164 includes anarrow section 190 (i.e. a section wherein protuberances 192 extend intothe receiving cavity 164, to provide therebetween a section narrowerthan the remaining portion of the receiving cavity 164). Therefore, whenthe adjustment spacer 144 is engaged with a corresponding supportbracket 142 (through insertion of the protrusion 162 of the adjustmentspacer 144 into the receiving cavity 164 of the support bracket 142),the adjustment spacer 144 and support bracket 142 engage in a snap fitconfiguration.

Indeed, during insertion of the protrusion 162 into the receiving cavity164, the flexible branches 180 of the protrusion 162 are bendedtemporarily, as the stop members 182 move past the protuberances 192,and subsequently return substantially to their original configuration,thereby “locking” the stop member 182 past the protuberances 192. Inother words, once the temporary bending of the flexible branches 180 ofthe protrusion 162 has allowed the stop members 182 to move past theprotuberances 192, the protuberances 192 engage the stop members 182 andrestrict the reverse movement of the protrusion 162. In order todisengage the adjustment spacer 144 from the corresponding supportbracket 142, sufficient force to bend the branches 180 of the protrusion162 must be applied for the stop members 182 to again move past theprotuberances 192 (in the reverse direction).

In the embodiment shown, the stop member 182 and protuberances 192 eachhave bevelled (or rounded) edges to help the transition of the stopmember 182 past the protuberances 192 during engagement/disengagement ofthe adjustment spacer 144 and the support bracket 142, but one skilledin the art will understand that, in alternative embodiments (not shown),other configurations to allow such transition can be provided.

In the embodiment shown, the connecting assembly 160 further includes alocking member 194 engageable with the protrusion 162 of a correspondingadjustment spacer 144 in order to lock the adjustment spacer 144 in thesupport bracket 142 (i.e. to lock the adjustment spacer 144 in anengagement configuration with the support bracket 142 (see FIG. 13)).The locking member 194 includes a locking pin 195 insertable between thetwo flexible branches 180 of the protrusion 162 of the adjustment spacer144 and locking tabs 196 engageable with the support bracket to maintainthe locking member 194 engaged therewith. Hence, in an embodiment, tolock the adjustment spacer 144 in an engagement configuration with thesupport bracket 142, the locking member 194 can be inserted in thereceiving cavity 164 of the support bracket 142 from a rear end of thebody of the support bracket 142, thereby inserting the locking pin 195between the two flexible branches 180 of the protrusion 162 of theadjustment spacer 144 and preventing bending thereof to lock theadjustment spacer in place. When the locking member 194 is inserted inthe receiving cavity 164 of the support bracket 142, sections of thelocking member 194 can bend momentarily such that the locking tabs 196,move past abutment lips 141 extending into the receiving cavity 164 ofthe support bracket 142, at a rear end thereof, thereby maintaining thelocking member 194 in place. Inversely, the locking member 194 cansubsequently be removed by bending the locking tabs 196 to move past theabutment lips 141, in a rearward motion, to remove the locking pin 195from between the two flexible branches 180 of the protrusion 162, beforethe adjustment spacer 144 can be disengaged from the support bracket142.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 6 to 10, the maxillary abutmentassembly 140 further includes a lateral support section 149 providinglateral support to the adjustment spacer 144, thereby preventing inwardlateral movement of the adjustment spacer, in the eventuality of alateral force being exerted thereon, when the set of splints 112, 114 isworn by a patient. The lateral support section 149 is a section of theouter wall surface 134 which is positioned and configured to abut atleast partially with an inner surface of the adjustment spacer 144, toprovide lateral support thereto. In the embodiment shown, the lateralsupport section 149 is a substantially flat section extending along aportion of the outer wall surface 134, forwardly of the support bracket142.

In the embodiment shown, the lateral support section 149 and theprojections 152 of the mandibular splint 114 are positioned andconfigured such that an inner surface 153 of the projections 152 canalso abut against the lateral support section 149 of the maxillaryabutment assembly 140, when the splints 112, 114 are in the contactconfiguration (for a specific mandibular abutment). Hence, the lateralsupport section 149 can also provide lateral support for the mandibularsplint 114, and prevents or limits lateral movements of the mandibularsplint 114 relative to the maxillary splint 112, in the eventuality of alateral force being exerted onto the splints 112, 114, when worn by apatient (for example and without being limitative, as a result of sleepbruxism or the like).

Similarly to the above described embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 5, in theembodiment of FIGS. 6 to 10, the mandibular advancement provided by themaxillary splint 112 and the mandibular splint 114 can therefore bemodified (or adjusted) through replacement of the adjustment spacers 144with adjustment spacers having a different spacing length 147 (i.e. aspacing length greater or smaller than the previously mounted adjustmentspacers 144). Hence, as described above, the splint 112, 114 can beadjusted to reach an appropriate mandibular advancement for the patientby successively securing adjustment spacers 144 of different spacinglengths 147 to the corresponding one of the splints 112, 114 (with theset of splints 112, 114 being tested by the patient for each successivetry) until the splints 112, 114 provide the appropriate mandibularadvancement. The above-described steps for the method of adjusting themandibular advancement using the set of splints 112, 114 apply to theset of splints 112, 114 of the embodiment of FIGS. 6 to 10 and need notbe repeated herein.

Referring to FIGS. 11 and 12, in an embodiment, a thickness 145 of theabutment surface 146 of the adjustment spacer 144 of a set of adjustmentspacers 144 removably connectable to an outer portion of the maxillarysplint 112 or the mandibular splint 114 of the set of mandibularadvancement splints 112, 114 is adapted to provide a proper abutmentbetween the abutment surface 146 of the adjustment spacer 144 and thecorresponding projection 152. In other words, in an embodiment, thethickness 145 of the abutment surface 146 of the adjustment spacer 144of a set of adjustment spacers 144 is adapted to the specific spacinglength 147 of the adjustment spacer 144 of a set of adjustment spacers144. In an embodiment, the thickness 145 of the abutment surface 146 ofthe adjustment spacer 144 of a set of adjustment spacers 144 having alonger spacing length 147 is greater than the thickness 145 of theabutment surface 146 of the adjustment spacer 144 of a set of adjustmentspacers 144 having a shorter spacing length 147. Such adapted thickness145 of the abutment surface 146 of the adjustment spacer 144 of a set ofadjustment spacers 144 compensates for the lateral displacement of thecorresponding projection 152 with regards to the abutment surface 146 ofthe adjustment spacer 144, when adjustment spacers 144 of differentspacing length 147 are used. Indeed, given the U-shaped body 120 of themandibular splint 114, the lateral alignment of the correspondingprojection 152 with regards to the abutment surface 146 of theadjustment spacer 144 is varied depending on how much the mandibularsplint 114 is driven forward with regard to the maxillary splint 112, toproduce the desired mandibular advancement. Therefore, the increasingthickness 145 of the abutment surface 146 of the adjustment spacer 144for adjustment spacers 144 having a greater spacing length 147compensates the lateral displacement of the corresponding projection 152and results in proper abutment between the abutment surface 146 of theadjustment spacer 144 and the corresponding projection 152 (i.e. asufficient contact to provide a steady connection therebetween).

In view of the above, in an embodiment, the kit of adjustment spacers144 including at least two sets of removable adjustment spacers 144removably connectable to an outer portion of the maxillary splint 112 ormandibular splint 114 of the set of mandibular advancement splints 112,114 includes sets of removable adjustment spacers 144 where thethickness 145 of the abutment surface 146 of the adjustment spacer 144of a set of adjustment spacers 144 having a longer spacing length 147 isgreater than the thickness 145 of the abutment surface 146 of theadjustment spacer 144 of a set of adjustment spacers 144 having ashorter spacing length 147.

Several alternative embodiments and examples have been described andillustrated herein. The embodiments of the invention described above areintended to be exemplary only. A person skilled in the art wouldappreciate the features of the individual embodiments, and the possiblecombinations and variations of the components. A person skilled in theart would further appreciate that any of the embodiments could beprovided in any combination with the other embodiments disclosed herein.It is understood that the invention may be embodied in other specificforms without departing from the central characteristics thereof. Thepresent examples and embodiments, therefore, are to be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not restrictive, and the invention is notto be limited to the details given herein. Accordingly, while specificembodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modificationscome to mind without significantly departing from the scope of theinvention as defined in the appended claims.

1. A set of mandibular advancement splints comprising: a maxillarysplint having a maxillary body with an inner portion adapted to fit amaxillary dental arch of a mouth of a patient and an opposed outerportion having an outer wall surface, the maxillary splint having amaxillary abutment assembly; and a mandibular splint having a mandibularbody with an inner portion adapted to fit a mandibular dental arch ofthe mouth of the patient and an opposed outer portion having an outerwall surface, the mandibular splint having a mandibular abutmentassembly; wherein at least one of the maxillary abutment assembly andthe mandibular abutment assembly comprises an advancement adjustmentstructure comprising support brackets projecting outwardly from theouter wall surface of the outer portion of the one of the maxillarysplint and the mandibular splint, each one of the support bracketsprojecting from a respective side of the outer portion, and at least twosets of adjustment spacers selectively and removably securable to acorresponding one of the support brackets and projecting forwardly orrearwardly therefrom for securement of the adjustment spacers to one ofthe maxillary splint and the mandibular splint, the adjustment spacersof a same one of the at least two sets having a same spacing length andthe adjustment spacers of different ones of the at least two sets havinga different spacing length, the spacing length defining the mandibularadvancement provided by the set of mandibular advancement splints havingone set of the adjustment spacers secured to the one of the maxillarysplint and the mandibular splint.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The set of mandibularadvancement splints of claim 1, wherein the adjustment spacers and thesupport brackets further comprise a complementary male-female connectingassembly for removably securing each one of the adjustment spacers ofone of the at least two sets to the corresponding one of the supportbrackets, with each one of the support brackets comprising a receivingcavity defined therein and protuberances extending into the receivingcavity to define a narrow section in the receiving cavity, and whereineach one of the adjustment spacers of the at least two sets comprises aprotrusion including two flexible branches spaced apart from one anotherand each having a stop member provided at a distal end, the protrusionbeing insertable into the receiving cavity of the corresponding one ofthe support brackets from a first side thereof with the stop membersextending past the narrow section of the receiving cavity in anengagement configuration.
 4. (canceled)
 5. The set of mandibularadvancement splints of claim 3, further comprising locking membersengageable with the protrusion of a respective one of the adjustmentspacers to lock the respective one of the adjustment spacers inside thereceiving cavity of the corresponding one of the support brackets, eachone of the locking members including a locking pin and locking tabs,each one of the locking members being insertable into the receivingcavity of the corresponding one of the support brackets from a secondside thereof with the locking pin extending between the two flexiblebranches of the protrusion of the respective one of the adjustmentspacers and the locking tabs engaged with the corresponding one of thesupport brackets.
 6. The set of mandibular advancement splints of claim1, wherein the maxillary splint and the mandibular splint areconfigurable in a contact configuration where contact sections thereofare abutted one against the other and extend along a contact plane, aportion of the adjustment spacers defining the spacing length having asection extending below the contact plane with a lower edge of thesupport brackets being at least one of substantially aligned with andextending above the contact plane when the maxillary splint and themandibular splint are configured in the contact configuration. 7.(canceled)
 8. The set of mandibular advancement splints of claim 1,wherein the maxillary abutment assembly comprises the advancementadjustment structure with each one of the at least two sets ofadjustment spacers comprising two adjustment spacers removably securableon opposed sides of the maxillary splint and wherein the mandibularabutment assembly comprises two projections extending upwardly from theouter wall surface, on opposed sides of the mandibular body of themandibular splint.
 9. The set of mandibular advancement splints of claim8, wherein the maxillary abutment assembly comprises lateral supportsections protruding outwardly and defining a substantially flat sectionextending forwardly from a corresponding one of the support brackets,each one of the lateral support sections being configured to at leastpartially contact with inner surfaces of corresponding ones of theadjustment spacers and the projections and provide lateral supportthereto.
 10. The set of mandibular advancement splints of claim 9,wherein each one of the outer wall surface of the maxillary splint andthe outer wall surface of the mandibular splint comprises a contactsection, wherein each one of the adjustment spacers and the projectionscomprises an abutment surface with the abutment surface of theadjustment spacers being configured to abut with the abutment surface ofa corresponding one of the projections and the abutment surfaces of theadjustment spacers and the abutment surfaces of the projections beingcomplementary in shape and inwardly inclined to define an oblique anglewith a corresponding one of the substantially flat sections of thelateral support sections, and wherein the maxillary splint and themandibular splint are configurable in a contact configuration where thecontact sections thereof are abutted one against the other and extendalong a contact plane with the abutment surfaces of the adjustmentspacers and the projections extending at least partially above thecontact plane.
 11. (canceled)
 12. The set of mandibular advancementsplints of claim 1, wherein each one of the adjustment spacers has anabutment surface extending forwardly when a corresponding one of theadjustment spacers is removably secured to the one of the maxillarysplint and the mandibular splint, each one of adjustment spacers havingan abutment surface thickness along the abutment surface, the abutmentsurface thicknesses of the adjustment spacers of different ones of theat least two sets of adjustment spacers being different and adapted tothe spacing length thereof and wherein a thickness of each one of theadjustment spacers of at least one of the at least two sets ofadjustment spacers is variable along the spacing length with theadjustment spacers being thicker adjacent the abutment surfaces. 13.-37.(canceled)
 38. A mandibular advancement kit comprising: a set ofmandibular advancement splints comprising a maxillary splint having amaxillary body with an outer portion having an outer wall surface and aninner portion adapted to fit a maxillary dental arch of a mouth of apatient and a mandibular splint having a mandibular body with an outerportion having an outer wall surface and an inner portion adapted to fita mandibular dental arch of the mouth of the patient, at least one ofthe maxillary splint and the mandibular splint having at least onesupport bracket projecting outwardly from a respective side of the outerwall surface of the outer portion the corresponding one of the maxillarybody and the mandibular body; and a kit of adjustment spacers comprisingat least two sets of adjustment spacers selectively and removablyconnectable to a corresponding one of the support brackets andprojecting forwardly or rearwardly therefrom for securement of theadjustment spacers to at least one of the maxillary splint andmandibular splint of the set of mandibular advancement splints, each oneof the at least two sets of adjustment spacers including at least oneadjustment spacer having a spacing length, each one of the at least oneadjustment spacer of each one of the at least two sets having a samespacing length and each one of the at least one adjustment spacer ofdifferent ones of the at least two sets having a different spacinglength.
 39. The mandibular advancement kit of claim 38, wherein each oneof the adjustment spacers comprises a connecting assembly configured toselectively and removably secure the respective one of the adjustmentspacers to a corresponding one of the at least one support bracket, theconnecting assembly comprises one of a male member and a female memberfor selectively and removably securing the respective one of theadjustment spacers to the corresponding one of the at least one supportbracket in a male-female configuration.
 40. (canceled)
 41. Themandibular advancement kit of claim 39, wherein each one of the at leastone support bracket includes a receiving cavity defined therein andprotuberances extending into the receiving cavity to define a narrowsection in the receiving cavity and wherein each one of the at least oneadjustment spacer of the at least two sets of adjustment spacerscomprises a protrusion including two flexible branches spaced apart fromone another and each having a stop member provided at a distal end, theprotrusion being insertable into the receiving cavity of thecorresponding one of the at least one support bracket from a first sidethereof, with the stop member extending past the narrow section of thereceiving cavity in an engagement configuration.
 42. The mandibularadvancement kit of claim 41, further comprising a locking memberengageable with the protrusion of a respective one of the adjustmentspacers to lock the respective one of the adjustment spacers in thecorresponding one of the at least one support bracket, the lockingmember including a locking pin and locking tabs, each one of the lockingmembers being insertable into the receiving cavity of the correspondingone of the at least one support bracket from a second side thereof, withthe locking pin extending between the two flexible branches of theprotrusion of the respective one of the adjustment spacers and thelocking tabs engaged with the corresponding one of the at least onesupport bracket.
 43. The mandibular advancement kit of claim 38, whereinthe corresponding one of the maxillary splint and the mandibular splintcomprises at least one lateral support section protruding outwardly anddefining a substantially flat section extending forwardly from acorresponding one of the at least one support bracket; and the other oneof the maxillary splint and the mandibular splint comprises projectionsextending on opposed sides thereof; each one of the at least one lateralsupport section being configured to at least partially contact with aninner surface of a corresponding one of the adjustment spacers and acorresponding one of the projections and provide lateral supportthereto.
 44. The mandibular advancement kit of claim 38, wherein eachone of the adjustment spacers has an abutment surface extendingforwardly when a corresponding one of the adjustment spacers isremovably secured to the corresponding one of the maxillary splint andthe mandibular splint, each one of adjustment spacers having an abutmentsurface thickness along the abutment surface, the abutment surfacethickness of the adjustment spacers of different ones of the at leasttwo sets of adjustment spacers being different and adapted to thespacing length thereof, the abutment surface thickness of the adjustmentspacers having a longer spacing length being greater than the abutmentsurface thickness of the adjustment spacers having a shorter spacinglength.
 45. The mandibular advancement kit of claim 44, wherein athickness of each one of the adjustment spacers of at least one of theat least two sets of adjustment spacers is variable along the spacinglength with the adjustment spacers being thicker adjacent the abutmentsurface.
 46. The mandibular advancement kit of claim 38, wherein eachset of adjustment spacers includes two adjustment spacers removablysecurable on opposed sides of the corresponding one of the maxillarysplint and the mandibular splint.
 47. The mandibular advancement kit ofclaim 43, wherein the at least one adjustment spacer of the at least twosets of adjustment spacers is selectively and removably securable to themaxillary splint and wherein the mandibular splint comprises theprojections extending upwardly from an outer wall surface of themandibular body, on opposed sides thereof.
 48. A method for adjusting amandibular advancement produced by a set of mandibular advancementsplints including a mandibular advancement splint and a maxillaryadvancement splint for a specific patient, the method comprising:engaging a removable adjustment spacer of an initial spacing length to asecuring bracket of at least one of the mandibular splint and themaxillary splint, with the removable adjustment spacer projectingforwardly or rearwardly therefrom, to produce an initial mandibularadvancement; determining if the mandibular advancement is appropriatefor the specific patient; and if the mandibular advancement is notappropriate for the specific patient, disengaging a previously securedadjustment spacer from the securing bracket of the at least one of themandibular splint and the maxillary splint and successively securingadjustment spacers of different spacing lengths to the securing bracketof the at least one of the mandibular splint and the maxillary splintuntil the mandibular advancement is appropriate.
 49. The method of claim48, wherein the step of successively securing adjustment spacers ofdifferent spacing lengths to the securing bracket of the at least one ofthe mandibular splint and the maxillary splint until the mandibularadvancement is appropriate includes, if the initial mandibularadvancement is insufficient, successively securing adjustment spacers ofgreater lengths.
 50. The method of claim 49, comprising the step ofreverting to an adjustment spacer of a smaller length if the successivesecuring of adjustment spacers of greater lengths leads to a mandibularadvancement that is too great.
 51. The method of claim 48, wherein thestep of successively securing adjustment spacers of different spacinglengths to the securing bracket of the at least one of the mandibularsplint and the maxillary splint until the mandibular advancement isappropriate includes, if the initial mandibular advancement is toogreat, successively securing adjustment spacers of smaller lengths. 52.The method of claim 51, comprising the step of reverting to anadjustment spacer of a greater length if the successive securing ofadjustment spacers of smaller lengths leads to a mandibular advancementthat is too small. 53.-64. (canceled)